TECH TALK

A mouse for weary Web surfers

May 13, 2001|By Steve Knopper. Cox Newspapers.

No matter how hard you scrunch this newspaper against the computer, the two objects won't talk to each other -- unless you have a CueCat. The mouselike device plugs into a PC and, upon rolling over certain bar codes in newspapers and magazines, automatically brings up Internet pages. The CueCat has had a short and tumultuous life: Critics say its serial numbers can track users' behavior (its parent company, Digital Convergence Corp., denies this). But it saves you from typing in wordy Web addresses. The Windows-only gadget, which also comes in the shape of a pen, is free at Radio Shack stores or www.getcat.com.

-- Steve Knopper

Couched in comfort: One of the more curious pairings you're likely to come across, La-Z-Boy and WebTV from Microsoft teamed up to deliver the Explorer e-cliner ($1,049 to $1,299 plus $25 per month subscription fee). This kick-back-and-interact recliner features interactive channel surfing as well as a Picture in Picture function for same-time TV watching and Web surfing (if desired) in various states of repose. For the lounging workaholics, the chair accommodates laptop computers with a data adapter, phone jack and 110-volt outlet; for everyone else, it holds your beer and stores your bags of potato chips in classic La-Z-boy comfort and style. See www.lazboy.com/dynamic/featured.htm) for more information.

-- Cox Newspapers

Get to the church on time: SierraHome's Modern Bride Complete ($50) is software for couples planning the perfect wedding. The software includes a database/spreadsheet of sorts to put wedding planning into one comprehensible picture. Moreover, with Modern Bride Complete one can disregard all the well-intended yet conflicting advice that comes with nearly-wed status. Features include an Event Manager (including the Big Day, as well as the shower, the rehearsal dinner, etc.); a Guest List Manager (which also tracks RSVPs and the gift registry); a Task Manager (your basic temporary-dictator's job delegation handbook); photo/imaging applications; and a calendar and address book. Most important, Modern Bride Complete comes with more than 200 articles and 1,000 plus photos that would seem to eliminate the need for all those magazines. . . . See www.modernbridesoftware.com for more information.